L.A. firefighters push 9/11 responders bill

September 4, 2010 12:00:00 AM PDT

ELYSIAN PARK, Calif. --

Southern California firefighters are sending a message to Congress to pass legislation to help the first responders from Sept. 11.Nearly 2,000 first responders from California went to New York City to help in the recovery and cleanup effort at ground zero.

Some 900 people have died from exposure to toxins there. The city of Los Angeles is calling for congress to take action.

"The city council and the mayor of Los Angeles wanted to make that message loud and clear to call on cities, counties, states and to call on Congress to pass that legislation," said L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge.